By GNGF Design/Development on September 30th, 2024 in Uncategorized
Around 4.4% of Georgians are part of a union, which provide higher wages and benefits in exchange for paying dues. One question that many union members have is: do my union dues cover workplace injuries?
Although your union fees help negotiate better wages and conditions for workers, they do not cover workplace injuries.
Union workers are still covered by workers’ compensation, and as long as your employer has three or more workers, they must provide workers’ comp.
If you have ever filed a workers’ comp claim in the past, the process of filing a claim through your union will be slightly different.
Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process
Union members may have support when filing a claim that isn’t available to a non-union worker. You still need to start your claim in the same manner:
- Inform your employer of the accident and injury that you sustained. You should be as thorough as possible and fill out any of the necessary forms completely.
- Obtain medical attention. Your injuries must be tended to, and you need a diagnosis. You must see an approved medical provider, and your employer will provide a list of providers who can help you.
- Secure copies of your prescriptions, medical bills, earning statements and anything else of relevance.
- Complete form WC-14 as completely as you can.
If you follow these steps, you’re moving in the right direction. It’s not enough to report your injury and not seek medical attention. Workers’ compensation insurance will want to make sure that you’ll be out of work for at least seven days, and you’ll be required to supply extensive medical documentation.
Claims can be denied, and since you are a union member, it is worth calling your union rep.
Your union rep may be able to assist you through the process and is a valuable contact to utilize whenever possible.
What Expenses Will Workers’ Comp Cover If I’m Injured at Work?
Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to cover necessary medical expenses related to your injury. If an approved provider prescribes a treatment or orders a diagnostic test, it will likely be covered by workers’ comp.
These include but are not limited to:
Surgeries and Hospitalization
Surgical procedures and hospital stays associated with your workplace injury will typically be covered by workers’ compensation if they are reasonable and necessary for your recovery.
Emergency Room Visits
If your workplace injury requires immediate emergency medical care, workers’ compensation will usually cover these costs, along with any treatments you receive for your injury while in the emergency room.
Typically, employers provide a list of approved medical providers for workers to choose from, but in emergency situations, exceptions are made to ensure you receive the immediate care you need from the nearest healthcare facility.
Follow-Up Visits
In most cases, you will need to attend follow-up appointments with your provider. These visits will also be covered by workers’ compensation.
Travel Expenses
If you need help traveling to and from your doctor’s appointments, workers’ comp may cover the cost of transportation services. You may need to provide mileage information and receipts to have these expenses reimbursed.
Diagnostic Tests
Your approved doctor may require one or multiple diagnostic tests to better understand the extent of your injuries. Diagnostic tests are covered by workers’ compensation, including but not limited to:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
If the tests are related to the injury you suffered at work and they’re related to your claim, workers’ comp insurance should cover these costs.
Rehabilitation
Your injuries may require rehabilitation, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy. If, for example, you broke both of your legs and needed therapy to strengthen your hips and walk properly, this would be covered.
Injuries that are severe and lead to partial or total disability may require extensive therapy.
Massage, if your physician recommends it, is often covered. If you have any questions or concerns about what’s covered by workers’ comp, contact your union rep or a lawyer.
If you’re injured on the job and are a union member, you may be under the impression that you only need to talk to your union rep.
Do I Still Need an Attorney If I’m A Union Member?
Even if you are a union member, you should still consider consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the process of filing your claim.
An attorney can help ensure that your claim is filed properly, reducing the risk of a denial. If your claim is still denied, your attorney will be by your side to help you navigate the appeal process.
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we represent all injured workers – union and non-union – throughout Georgia.
If you were injured on the job, contact or call us today to schedule a consultation.
Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the process of filing a claim and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the benefits you need.
